For most of the public, and even for most archaeologists, the story of Northern Rio Grande archaeology begins with Bandelier National Monument and the Coalition period (AD 1175-1300). Well preserved sites on the Pajarito Plateau have attracted attention since the late 19th century due to their visibility, but the sites are almost exclusively post-AD 1175 in age. Earlier sites dating to the AD 900-1175 period are present in the valley bottoms of the Rio Grande and its tributaries, but these early sites are generally hidden and have only rarely been investigated. The valley bottoms were, and are, great places to farm and live, so these ancient sites are now covered by layers of occupation up to and including our modern communities.
This day trip will visit the Wickersham extended family in the vicinity of La Puebla, New Mexico, just north of Santa Fe. After purchasing the property in the mid-20th century, they discovered that many generations had lived there previously, including during the Late Developmental period. This will be a chance for tour participants to see Late Developmental period archaeology in the Northern Rio Grande, to see why archaeologists know so little about this important period in the culture history of the Tewa Basin, and to hear anecdotes of the surprises in store for modern landowners who find themselves only the latest of more than 50 generations of valley citizens.
Trip leaders will be Stephen Post (Deputy Director Emeritus, OAS) and Steven Lakatos (Archaeologist, New Mexico Energy, Minerals, and Natural Resources Department). This trip will have a limited number of participants. Make reservations beginning at 7:00 am on Tuesday, June 7, 2016 by calling (505) 982-7799, ext. 7. Difficulty: Moderate with moderate to strenuous hiking. Cost to FOA members/$85, non-FOA members/$95.
A second site will be selected to complement the visit to the Wickersham site in Puebla. Please check back on nmarchaeology.org and the Museum of New Mexico Foundation’s Friends of Archaeology website for updates.
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